3d Program for ship designs.

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[Dynamite Dan]

Hi All, im going to design and build my own Radio controlled Ship next year as a bit of a project.

First thing i need to do is get some drawings and designs worked out, and was thinking of creating a 3d model of it first.

I have had no experience with 3d software before, so i don't want a over complicated program, but im a fast learner.


can you guys recommend anything to me iv tried blender, but6 the download wont run, and i need something called python (whatever that is)

Thankyou in advance.

[Stuart2007]

Go and seek out an older version of blender... you can still get it (I will try and find a copy)...

[v.h94]

I would recomend GMAX it's easyer to learn 3ds max and more avanced softwares if you start with that.

Do not start with Sketsh Up when you do that the more advanced softwares are built up in an other way and you will not understand is so easy. You will think in the wrong ways after using sketch up Sketchup is realy easy to learn but GMAX and blender.... and so on produses much bether results

[Dynamite Dan]

Thanks for the quick replies, Remember im not trying to build any sort of detailed model, i just want to try and biuld simple models (no details) so i can visualise the 3d shape of my design.

[IRI5HJ4CK]

Hi Dan,

3D Modelling is an area of it's own, in my own opinion.

Constructing a hull is hard, but if you're looking to get an idea of the Superstructure, or other details, then I would go with Google Sketchup 7. I use it myself. You can see a topic of mine in the Dev Section, non SS Models. Keep skipping through (It may be on page 2 now), for STRIKER. You can get a rough idea of it's capabilities there.

You can also see topics by Mad_Fred, who also uses Sketchup. He makes brilliant models

I'm also into model boating, I have a few tugs.

Hope I'm of some help!!

Kind Regards,
Jack.

[Stuart2007]

I'd agree with Jack then. If it's only basic outline models then sketchup should be OK for you. It's easy to pick up and it's free.

[TerryRussell]

Hi Stu.

Based on your good references, I was looking at Blender earlier on. But as it is at an alpha release stage, I think I'll wait until the development gets a few more stages down the track. But I have it as a link in my favourites menu, because

(a) it looks as though it should be very good

(b) it's free (GNU)

(c) I support the GNU project myself with my programming and project management inputs for some other software

(d) it's free (GNU)
 

[IRI5HJ4CK]

I'd agree with Jack then. If it's only basic outline models then sketchup should be OK for you. It's easy to pick up and it's free.

I'd also be willing to give tutorials and online help (MSN), or E-mail, if needed, Dan.

Kind Regards,
Jack.

[Dynamite Dan]

you guys are really helpfull, you probabally wont be helpfull to me when you hear what ideas i have for this modle lol

[Dynamite Dan]

heres some ideas i am wanting, tell me if im living in cloud 9 land.

Twin hull catamaran
either water jet or azipods propulsion
retractable foils
automaticly deploying airbags in case of sinkage
bespoke design
drag plates (retractable) for slowing down fast
bow thrusters

[IRI5HJ4CK]

Hi Dan,

If you want to display all this on a 3D Model, it may be quite difficult.

Also, this would be an extremely difficult project...I can't say I've ever seen something like what you're talking about before, of such a scale. But I am sure it can be done. I'm used to your simple prop and shaft idea (Even though obviously, things such as Bow Thrusters, and floatation devices, I've heard of. But it's just something rather unusual, And I don't know if you've made a model before, I would be impressed to see it! Good luck!)

Anyway. I might as well be straight with you. If you wanted to show this on a 3D Model, then you'd probably have to have a good idea in what you're doing...I would advise you just to draw out roughly what you want, and possibly then try it out 3D Wise, simply. Then just label where you'd like what.

If I can be of any assistance, please do ask, because I can help in both departments

Jack.
p.s. E-mail me on: accordionjack@googlemail.com
MSN: irishjack.6@msn.com

[Dynamite Dan]

Yeah i know its jumping in with both feet, but i think if im going to attempt something i might aswell test myself doing it, Ive never built a modle before, but im confident with my engineering background it cant be that hard, i think the electrics and radio signal stuff will be the hardest part

Ive got Sketchup based on your recomendations and have already created a basic catamaran after 5 mins, (i quite like this program)
Ill up a picture soon

[firestar12]

Hi Stu.

Based on your good references, I was looking at Blender earlier on. But as it is at an alpha release stage, I think I'll wait until the development gets a few more stages down the track. But I have it as a link in my favourites menu, because

(a) it looks as though it should be very good

(b) it's free (GNU)

(c) I support the GNU project myself with my programming and project management inputs for some other software

(d) it's free (GNU)
 

Terry, that's only the latest version. Blender itself has been going on since 1998.

To answer your questions, yes it is very good. Maybe not as good as 3ds max, but I think in my opinion, it is the best you can get without paying.

[TerryRussell]

Terry, that's only the latest version. Blender itself has been going on since 1998.

Yep, I saw that. But I have a number of tools available, so no hurry.

I'll wait for a while before learning another one.. This latest one does look promising, though.

[firestar12]

Oh, it's quite good, believe me. It IS, the best, I think.

[Stuart2007]

Hi Terry

As Firestar said, that is only the latest version.

http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/older-versions/

For the older versions. I've not tried 2.49 yet, so no comment and I didn't even know about 2.50 so, no comment too.

There are some annoying features of blender- such as punching a hole in a plane being 100 times for time consuming than my old Microstation95 system. Yet, it is feature packed and, as you said, free!

[McGherkin]

A program is only as good as the modeller. which is why i'm doing poorly with a £LOTS 3D industry standard modelling program...

BTW, good luck with your modelling, both in virtuality and reality...

[Stuart2007]

A program is only as good as the modeller. which is why i'm doing poorly with a £LOTS 3D industry standard modelling program...

BTW, good luck with your modelling, both in virtuality and reality...

Yes and no. It is true that a good programme in the hands of a muppet is as good as a poor programme in the hands of another muppet. Which is, as you say, probably not as good as a poor quality programme in the hands of someone who IS good.

That said, it won't be as good as a good programme in the hands of a good user.